Meet the Team

Dr. Megan Brown graduated Suma Cum Laude from the Honors College at The University of Massachusetts, Amherst. She earned a Master in Counseling and Ph.D. in Clinical, Counseling, and School psychology from the University of California, Santa Barbara. She has received extensive training in the assessment and treatment of children, adolescents and adults in various settings, including clinics, university hospitals and public and private school settings.

After moving to New York, she completed her pre-doctoral internship at Northshore University Hospital/NYU Medical School where she received specialized training in preschool, forensic, and neuropsychological evaluations, with a special focus on the assessment and treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). She has served as adjunct faculty and supervised graduate students through the NYU School of Social Work, Yeshiva University, Columbia University, and Fordham University.

In graduate school, Dr. Brown had the opportunity to work in the Koegel Autism Center where she was trained to work with children on the Autism Spectrum using Pivotal Response Treatment, a naturalistic intervention model derived from ABA approaches. After earning her doctorate, she served as the Clinical Coordinator of the Rebecca School, a private school in Manhattan serving children with neurobehavioral disorders of relating and communicating. The school ascribes to Stanley Greenspan’s Developmental Individual Differences Relationship-based (DIR)/Floortime Model, which Dr. Brown employs in her clinical work with children on the ASD spectrum. She has lectured and supervised doctoral students in this methodology to help build children’s social, emotional, and intellectual capacities.

In addition to her work in the schools, Dr. Brown worked as a clinical psychologist with the Hallowell Center in New York City since its inception in 2007. Dr. Brown trained closely with Dr. Edward Hallowell, who is a best-selling author and nationally renowned expert in ADHD. At the Hallowell Center, she conducted neuropsychological evaluations, provided school consults, and treated individuals and families to understand and manage ADHD in order to get the most out of life!

Dr. Brown transitioned from the Hallowell Center to open her own private practice in New Jersey after her first child was born. As a native of Short Hills, it only made sense to return there to provide psychological support to a community she knows very well.

In her current practice, Dr. Brown conducts neuropsychological evaluations both privately and as a contracted employee of various school districts. She also maintains a caseload of patients with whom she works therapeutically to build coping strategies, improve skills, and process emotions from a developmental perspective. She always incorporates parents into her sessions with children so that the skills may generalize to everyday life. Most importantly, Dr. Brown believes that positive connection is pivotal for any change and each child and individual is treated as the unique and special individual that he or she is!

Kelly Coppola received her Bachelor’s degree in Clinical Psychology from the University at Albany and her Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from Fordham University, both with honors. She has over a decade of experience treating children, adolescents and adults, and specializes in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD), autism spectrum disorders, anxiety and learning differences. She has received extensive training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques, Mindfulness and Yoga Therapy. Kelly has supervised graduate mental health counseling students and graduate social work students, and is Certified in New Jersey to supervise Licensed Master Social Workers seeking Clinical Licensure.

In addition to working at Brown Psychological Services, Kelly is a Staff Social Worker for Pace University’s OASIS program (Ongoing Academic and Social Instructional Support), and specializes in working with college students with autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, learning differences and various social and emotional challenges. Her previous clinical experience and training encompasses a wide variety of settings including: Elmhurst Hospital’s Child and Adolescent Partial Hospital Program and The Home Based Crisis Intervention Program; The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary, counseling patients and families with Head and Neck Cancers; The Holy Name School, where she trained in psychoanalysis and play therapy techniques; and The Hallowell Center, where she received Clinical Supervision from Dr Edward Hallowell, pioneer in the field of strengths-based ADHD treatment.

Kelly’s therapeutic style is collaborative and approachable. She provides practical solutions to complex problems, and believes that finding the right “fit” between the therapist and client is paramount. Besides individual therapy, Kelly runs several groups including: Mindfulness for ADHD, Mindfulness for Mommies, and Social Skills for adolescents and adults with ASD.

Dr. Jacqueline Freedman is a certified school psychologist, working for the Fair Lawn Board of Education since September 2008. She earned her Master of Science in Education in School Psychology at Pace University in January 2006. She earned her PsyD at Pace University in Clinical Child Psychology. Prior to her work in the Fair Lawn School District, she completed a two-year pre-doctoral internship at the Child Guidance Center of Southern Connecticut. In addition, she was a member of the Emergency Mobile Crisis Services for Teens and Children in the Stamford, CT area providing 24 hour crisis intervention services of children and adolescents, including safety assessments, emergency planning and assistance to the police department on calls where children are present. She has received extensive training in comprehensive psychological assessments addressing cognitive, neuropsychological, psycho-educational, and socio-emotional aspects. Her experience has allowed her to work within the following treatment modalities: individual therapy, play therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, parent guidance and family therapy. Her experience includes group therapy with elementary and middle school age students to focus on classroom readiness skills and executive functioning. As a practicing school psychologist surrounded by the trials and tribulations of middle school students she brings a unique inside view to her work with children.

Lisa Afflitto, MSW, LSW

Lisa Afflitto is a Licensed Social Worker and a NJ Certified Special Education Teacher. During her career as a special education teacher, Lisa worked with children ages three through thirteen with a variety of diagnoses, including Autism Spectrum Disorders, learning disabilities, ADHD and Tourette’s Syndrome. Before beginning her new career path as a psychotherapist, Lisa designed and implemented middle school social skills programs in her school district.

Lisa earned a Master’s in Psychology from the University of Phoenix and her Master’s in Social Work with honors from Rutgers University. Lisa’s experience as a social worker includes working with children, adolescents and adults in both inpatient and outpatient mental health settings. Lisa also has experience treating adolescents and adults with dual diagnoses (mental health and substance abuse).

In addition to private practice, Lisa is the Mental Health Coordinator for the Gunnar H. Esiason Cystic Fibrosis Center at Morristown Medical Center.

Dawn Niedzielski is an experienced special education consultant and therapist who specializes in using developmental approaches to support children with Autism and other special needs in relating and communicating.

Dawn has practiced in homes, therapy centers, and private and public school settings for over 15 years. Her experience includes the assessment and the development of intervention programs, curriculum and Individualized Education Plan development, and facilitation of developmental play groups. In addition, she provides parent and professional training for children presenting with sensory and regulatory dysfunction. Dawn has presented at multiple conferences including the annual Hudson Valley Regional Early Childhood Conference.

The core philosophy in Dawn’s practice with children centers around the Developmental Individual Relationship-based (DIR model) approach. These sessions focus on creating rich, meaningful interactions that allow each child to reach their full potential with relating, communicating and thinking all within the context of play. Gaining insight into each child’s individual sensory differences helps to create opportunities for relationship building rather than basic ‘social skills’ training. By following a child’s ideas she enters their world and understands their experiences to provide them with the tools to successfully navigate life’s challenges and enjoy meaningful relationships. Family coaching and education is a significant part of the work Dawn provides to each family as she believes it is paramount to each child’s success.

Dawn is a certified Special Educator and holds an advanced clinical certificate in DIR from the Interdisciplinary Council on Developmental and Learning Disorders, as well as a Masters in Literacy from Mount St. Mary College. She is also a member of the Profectum Foundation and Interdisciplinary Council on Development and Learning Disorders.